Turkey has flown the first production-standard Hürjet jet trainer, marking the program’s transition from prototype testing to a working production line.
Over the weekend, the aircraft spent 18 minutes in the air after completing final assembly, ground testing, and pre-flight checks.
“I extend my thanks to our Turkish Air Force Command, TUSAŞ personnel, engineers, technicians, and all stakeholders who contributed to this pride,” said Haluk Görgün, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries.
Next Phase
According to Defence Blog, this serial aircraft is distinct from the program’s two earlier flight-test prototypes: the first prototype’s maiden flight came on April 25, 2023, with the second taking flight in November 2024.
Together, the two prototypes have logged about 340 test flights and 260 flight hours.
The test included demonstration flights alongside the Turkish Stars aerobatic team, formation flying with the Anka-3 stealth drone prototype, and transonic and supersonic tests.
Turkish Aerospace has said it plans to ramp up the production line to two aircraft per month once serial manufacturing is fully underway.
The Turkish Air Force is set to receive its first Hürjet deliveries by the end of 2026, with the Turkish Stars aerobatic team slated to get the initial aircraft before broader fleet deliveries begin.
Hürjet at a Glance
Developed by Turkish Aerospace, Hürjet can reach a top speed of Mach 1.4 (1,729 kilometers/1,074 miles per hour) and operate at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters).
Powered by a GE F404 afterburning turbofan, it has a range of 1,060 nautical miles (1,963 kilometers/1,219 miles).
Capable of carrying payloads of up to 3,402 kilograms (7,500 pounds), the aircraft measures 14 meters (46 feet) long and has a wingspan of 10 meters (33 feet).
Hürjet is expected to carry a range of weapons, including Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan air-to-air missiles, the SOM cruise missile, the Sarb-83 anti-concrete bomb, and various guidance kits.
